The new police inquiry into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann was yesterday described as a ‘ludicrous’ waste of money by a senior member of the body which governs Scotland Yard.

Jenny Jones said the millions spent on the review by British detectives – ordered last week by David Cameron – would deny ‘other victims of crime the chance of justice’.

Ms Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, has vowed to do everything in her power to stop the inquiry.

Her comments echo disquiet expressed by her fellow MPA member, Labour peer Toby Harris, who accused the Prime Minister of undermining the operational independence of the police.

Ms Jones said Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, had been given preferential treatment.

‘The police should not take this case up in this way,' she said.

'It is ludicrous. This could take years and will cost millions. It is very unusual for police to step in like this and it is not an appropriate use of police resources.’

Ms Jones, who is also a member of the London Assembly, added that the MPA would now be ‘asking tough questions about this’.

‘The Government is closing down the Forensic Science Service because there are not enough funds. This is a crucial part of police work. Although it is tragic and I feel for the McCanns, how can the Prime Minister justify spending millions of pounds on one case?’
Fresh appeal: Kate and Gerry McCann made a personal appeal to the Prime Minister to help them search for their daughter

Fresh appeal: Kate and Gerry McCann made a personal appeal to the Prime Minister to help them search for their daughter

Maddie, who would have turned eight last week, went missing from a Portuguese holiday apartment in May 2007. Her parents believe she is still alive but Portuguese Police shelved the case in 2008.

Now the Metropolitan Police will ‘bring their expertise’ to the search for Maddie. The review will be led by Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood who, after a cold case review, snared murderer Miguel da Silva 15 years after he strangled mother-of-two Susan Martin, 44, in 1994.